Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionPolymer materials manufacturer Covestro exhibited at the 2026 China International Import Expo in Shanghai within the corporate pavilion of majority shareholder ADNOC. During the event, Covestro signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Chinese coating producer MEGA P&C Advanced Materials to develop coatings for renewable energy and transport hardware.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority reported a 33.9 percent increase in corporate tax receipts to Dh46.52 billion for financial periods ending in 2025. Compliance improved, with 91 percent of returns submitted on time and the on-time payment rate reaching 97 percent.
China Energy Engineering Corporation finalized a $1.627 billion equipment procurement contract at CIIE for Abu Dhabi's Tejila C power station. Concurrently, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority and China EV100 opened the inaugural EV World 2026 exhibition.
Chinese technology provider Huawei presented its full-scenario intelligent oil and gas solutions at ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The company demonstrated a digital architecture featuring data foundations, industrial foundation models, and autonomous AI agents. The strategy aims to advance technological integration between Chinese computing firms and Middle Eastern oil operations.
Polymer materials maker Covestro showcased sustainable materials at the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai under majority stakeholder ADNOC's booth. The company signed a memorandum of understanding with MEGA P&C Advanced Materials to co-develop protective coatings for clean energy and logistics.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
The Dubai Free Zones Council has approved a structured training initiative for Emirati university students within free zone enterprises to support Emiratisation targets. The Council also reviewed progress on a unified digital employment contract and direct residence permit renewals across free zones.
Abu Dhabi's Department of Government Enablement announced that a project with OpenAI has reduced complex food import approvals from several days to minutes. The system uses machine-readable regulations to conduct initial automated compliance checks while human officials retain final decision-making authority. The project is the first pilot under the emirate's Machine-Readable Government initiative and will expand to building permits and business licenses.
Time Out Dubai has highlighted nine significant updates coming to Dubai and the UAE during winter 2026. Key changes include updated national anti-commercial fraud rules, new passenger stations on the Etihad Rail network, and multiple retail, aviation, and hospitality launches.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
The inaugural Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference (EV World 2026) opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre, co-organised by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority and China EV100. Over 300 regional and international organisations and approximately 120 speakers are attending. The program features major Chinese EV brands and the UAE-China Industrial Cooperation Forum.
E-commerce platforms across the UAE have launched 11.11 sales campaigns featuring discounts of up to 90% across electronics, fashion, and home goods. A report by EZDubai and Euromonitor International projects the UAE online retail market to reach Dh42.2 billion in 2025, up from Dh17.6 billion in 2020. The promotional period is also driving increased operational activity in local warehousing, logistics, and digital payments.
Zimbabwe has secured admission as a borrowing member of the Shanghai-headquartered New Development Bank and is preparing to submit instruments for full BRICS membership. China, the UAE, and South Africa account for nearly 90 percent of Zimbabwe's export earnings. Economic analysts cited by The Herald state the move converts bilateral trade ties into a multilateral architecture and opens non-Western credit lines.
China Energy Engineering Group Co signed $1.63 billion in procurement orders during the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The deals include gas turbines from Siemens Energy for a 2,600-megawatt peak-shaving power plant in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The Abu Dhabi facility is scheduled to start commercial operations in 2029.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Real Estate & Construction
Mannai Corporation announced that its Saudi subsidiary secured a major contract in Riyadh from China Harbour Engineering Company. The scope includes mechanical, electrical, public health, and smart building technology infrastructure. The development is part of Saudi Arabia's flagship urban giga-projects.
Energy & Sustainability
China's crude oil imports rose to 41.94 million tonnes in October 2026, marking a seven-month high. The increase was supported by strong deliveries from Gulf producers, including at least 12 million barrels from Qatar and Iraq.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
Major UAE e-commerce platforms including Amazon UAE, Noon, and Ounass have launched 11.11 discount campaigns offering price reductions of up to 90 percent. According to an EZDubai and Euromonitor International report cited by Emirates 24|7, the UAE e-commerce market is projected to reach Dh42.2 billion in 2025 and Dh67.2 billion by 2030. The retail surge also boosted activity across delivery networks, warehousing, and digital payment systems.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Abu Dhabi authorities have introduced guidelines permitting alternative protein and novel food companies to host sensory evaluations and tasting trials before obtaining full UAE commercial authorization. The framework was jointly developed by ADQCC, ADAFSA, and ADIO to bridge the gap between laboratory development and market launch. ADAFSA will oversee trial approvals while ADQCC provides laboratory verification and testing services.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Transit restriction
Strait of Hormuz
Airspace restriction / airport disruption
Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Official travel advisory
Bahrain
Flight cancellation / route change
Damascus International Airport
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
Discover forums, exhibitions and business gatherings connecting people across China and the UAE.
Forum
Forum
Forum
Membership
Connect with businesses across China and the UAE. Exchange knowledge, explore opportunities and contribute to a community that values cooperation, mutual understanding and peace.
Become a Member
Membership
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.
